There were some big announcements during today's Pokemon Direct, but perhaps none bigger than the reveal of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The news is still fresh, but there are super fans already digging into the nitty-gritty information that was unveiled. And it seems as if there may be an intriguing connection between the starter Pokemon for Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is basically a prequel to Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl (which also just received announcements for remakes today). The game takes place many ages ago in the Sinnoh region. In fact, the style of the game looks to have a very feudal Japan feel to it, which may make sense if the game is supposed to take place hundreds of years ago in a time in which Pokemon roamed the wilderness more freely. Interestingly, the three starter Pokemon for the game, Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Oshawott, seem to have a connection around that same theme.
Oshawott feels like a perfect fit in this game, as its final evolution is Samurott; a Pokemon donned with samurai-like armor. Rowlet's final evolution is Decidueye, a Pokemon that uses archery skills (something that was very-much prevalent in samurai training and battles). Cyndaquil and its final evolution Typhlosion may be the hardest to fit into the equation initially. However, in Japan, the Pokemon's name is Bakufoon, which can be considered a play on the Japanese word "bakufu," which means shogunate. So in the end, all three starters have a connection to Japanese samurai, which could have a big impact on the world-building or story of the game as well.
Kallie Plagge is the reviews editor at Gamespot. With her knowledge of Pokemon, the help of her friends, and some research on Japanese history, she found that all three of the starters have this intriguing link in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The connection may have to do with the era and real-world region that the game is based off of. Of course, it could be mere coincidence and nothing else. However, it certainly would not be a surprise if this connection is legitimate.
While the newly announced entry into the franchise looks to mix up the formula in very interesting ways, including being the first true open-world Pokemon game, at first glance, Pokemon Legends: Arceus seemed to be sticking with the traditional starter Pokemon set up. However, instead of having three new pocket monsters to choose from, the three starters looked to be completely random. But upon further review, there may have been a method to the three selections after all.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus launches early 2022 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.